According to 2024 data, more than 300 million people worldwide practice yoga. In China, around 12.5 million people engage in yoga, with women making up the vast majority at approximately 94.9%. So, what exactly does yoga do? Is it really as magical as it's said to be? Let science guide us as we delve into the world of yoga and uncover the truth!

Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Yoga helps people reduce stress and anxiety through breath control and meditation. A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry showed that individuals who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in stress levels and anxiety symptoms. After eight weeks of yoga practice, participants' anxiety scores dropped by an average of 31%.

Improving Symptoms of Depression
A 2017 review in Clinical Psychology Review pointed out that practicing yoga can significantly alleviate symptoms in individuals with depression. The study showed that patients who participated in yoga experienced noticeable improvements in their symptoms, comparable to, or even better than, conventional treatments.

Enhancing Personal Well-Being
Yoga practice not only reduces negative emotions but also boosts personal well-being. A 2015 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that individuals who regularly practiced yoga experienced a significant increase in life satisfaction and happiness. After 12 weeks of yoga practice, participants' happiness scores improved by an average of 25%.

The Physical Benefits of Yoga—Transforming Body Shape
According to a study published in Preventive Cardiology, after 8 weeks of yoga practice, participants saw a 31% increase in strength and a 188% improvement in flexibility, which helps enhance body contours and muscle tone. Another study found that female college students who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in both weight and Ketole Index (a measure of body fat) after 12 weeks, demonstrating yoga’s effectiveness in weight loss and body sculpting.

Improving Cardiovascular Health
A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that yoga practice can significantly reduce blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. After 12 weeks of continuous yoga practice, participants experienced an average reduction of 5.5 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 4.0 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.

Enhancing Flexibility and Strength
According to a 2016 study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, participants showed a significant improvement in flexibility test scores and increased muscle strength after 8 weeks of yoga practice. The flexibility of the lower back and legs, in particular, showed noticeable improvement.

Relieving Chronic Pain
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Pain Research and Management found that long-term yoga practice can alleviate chronic lower back pain. After 12 weeks of yoga practice, participants' pain scores dropped by an average of 40%.